Caracal Global Daily | February 5

Caracal Global Daily

Caracal Global Daily is a human-curated global intelligence briefing that connects geopolitical developments, economic trends, and strategic business insights.

February 5, 2026

Detroit, MI

*** Ross Rant *** 

Lessons from The Post's Purge: Video is winning. Global is losing.

The Washington Post announced it would eliminate approximately 300 journalists—roughly one-third of its newsroom—including its entire Middle East team, foreign bureaus in key markets, and its storied sports and books sections. Executive Editor Matt Murray was blunt about the reason: "The company's structure is rooted in a different era. In areas such as video, the outlet hasn't kept up with consumer habits."

Translation: Video is happening, whether traditional journalists like it or not. The Buggles warned us in 1979 that "Video Killed the Radio Star." Now it's also killing the foreign desk.

For CEOs and communications professionals navigating global markets, this restructuring signals two fundamental shifts that demand an immediate strategic response: the bifurcation of journalism into incompatible models and the accelerating inadequacy of US-based media for understanding global business risk.

The bifurcation of media

The future of journalism is splitting into two irreconcilable paths. Either you're producing content that is niche, erudite, and expensive—specialized intelligence for sophisticated audiences willing to pay premium prices. Or you're producing content that is mass-market, unlettered, and bargain basement—optimized for volume, video views, and advertising revenue.

There is no middle ground left.

The Post is betting on the latter. Murray's memo to staff made clear the paper is pivoting toward "high-intent digital verticals" focused on technology, climate, and wellness content designed to drive subscriptions through SEO and video engagement. They're shuttering books and sports not because these sections lost readers, but because they don't fit an AI-integrated, video-first distribution model optimized for "consumer habits."

This is the same strategy driving every legacy outlet and notable, since The Post is facing a reported $177 million loss and a 50% drop in organic search traffic. When you can't compete with specialized boutiques charging $2,000 annually for proprietary analysis, you pivot to producing content that competes with TikTok and YouTube for attention. The result is a media landscape where nuanced geopolitical analysis and cultural context—the "soft power" signals that often precede political or market shifts—become luxury goods rather than widely available public resources.

For corporate communications professionals, this bifurcation creates a painful choice. 

Do you invest in expensive, specialized intelligence services to maintain information advantage? Or do you accept that your competitors operating with superficial, video-optimized media summaries will miss critical developments until it's too late? The companies that make the right choice will maintain a strategic advantage. Those who assume high-quality geopolitical intelligence will remain freely available are making a costly mistake.

The American media's blind spot

The second trend is equally critical: US-based media outlets are systematically retreating from serious international coverage precisely when global business complexity demands the opposite. 

When The Post eliminates its entire Middle East team and closes foreign bureaus while emphasizing that the remaining international presence will focus "almost exclusively on national security issues," they're describing a media environment increasingly incapable of serving multinational corporations.

This creates an urgent imperative for US business leaders and communications teams: you must diversify your information sources beyond American outlets. Relying exclusively on US media for international intelligence is professional malpractice.

Consider what you're missing when your news diet consists solely of domestic sources. The BBC provides unmatched global reach and cultural context across regions that American media ignores. Nikkei offers Asia-Pacific business intelligence that no US outlet matches. Bloomberg and the Financial Times deliver financial and regulatory analysis that connects the dots between markets. The Times of London, Sydney Morning Herald, and Singapore Straits Times provide perspectives on how international partners actually view US policy—insight you'll never get from Washington-centric reporting.

Even the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, despite their quality, ultimately filter global events through American interests and priorities. When The Post announces that its international coverage will emphasize national security over commercial developments, it's simply making explicit what's already implicit across US media: global news is framed through Washington's strategic lens rather than business reality.

For communications professionals developing stakeholder engagement strategies, this matters enormously. You cannot effectively engage European regulators, Asian partners, or Middle Eastern governments if your understanding of their priorities comes exclusively from US sources explaining how those regions affect American interests. You need to read what they read, understand what they value, and recognize how they perceive your company's actions within their political and cultural contexts.

What this means for strategy

The Post's restructuring is a forcing function. It eliminates comfortable assumptions about freely available, high-quality international intelligence. Communications professionals must now make deliberate choices about information sources, recognizing that media fragmentation creates real operational risk for companies navigating tariff volatility, supply chain restructuring, and government engagement across jurisdictions.

Caracal Global specializes in this intersection—helping clients navigate the geopolitical complexities of business through intelligence, strategy, and communications expertise grounded in globalization and American politics.

The video revolution and the retreat of US media from global coverage are not separate trends. They're symptoms of the same disease: the systematic degradation of shared information infrastructure in an era when complexity demands the opposite. 

The companies that recognize this early, invest in diverse international sources, and build communications strategies around sophisticated rather than superficial analysis will maintain a competitive advantage. Those waiting for legacy media to reverse course will find themselves operating with information asymmetries that favor better-informed competitors.

-Marc

*** Globalization + Statecraft *** 

Can emerging markets’ stellar run continue? There is a lot more going for them than “sell America.” Economist

US, China, and Russia erode the rules-based order, says Human Rights Watch: Nikkei reports the watchdog calls on 'middle powers' like Japan, South Korea, and Australia to step up

Are Trump’s tariffs winning? He says yes, but let’s look at the evidence that voters feel judging by their views of the economy. WSJ-Editorial

The American and Chinese economies are hurtling toward a messy divorce: The breakup is focused on sensitive matters now considered national-security issues, including semiconductors, food, and energy. WSJ

China’s Xi presses Trump on Taiwan in phone call: NYT reports both leaders gave versions of what they discussed, but the Chinese president’s take made clear the issue of the island was front and center.

Trump touts ‘very positive’ call with Chinese leader Xi: WP reports the president noted plans to visit China in April, as Beijing sends a warning to White House over Taiwan arms sales.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping discuss Ukraine and trade ahead of US state visit to Beijing: FT reports call took place after Chinese leader spoke to Vladimir Putin about global instability.

Analysis: Chinese power struggle sends ripples through Japan's election: Xi Jinping's purge of Gen. Zhang Youxia coincides with Sanae Takaichi's election drive. Nikkei

Singapore is urging for international cooperation to curb shadow fleet vessels operating just beyond its territorial waters, as scrutiny intensifies on ships used to evade sanctions.

US, Iran agree to discuss nuclear issues Friday in Oman: WSJ reports the talks had been in danger of collapsing over the agenda and location.

The Times: Iran’s leader ‘should be very worried’, warns Trump

Donald Trump wants to end America’s half-century conflict with Iran: His showdown with Iran’s supreme leader will shape the region for a generation. Economist

Ukraine says Abu Dhabi talks with Russia 'substantive and productive': Le Monde reports the war in Ukraine has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Russia occupies around 20% of Ukraine, but Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region. Ukraine has warned that ceding ground will embolden Moscow and that it will not sign a deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again.

Ukraine's 'grandfathers' go to war: Le Monde reports Ukrainian army has an average age of 45, significantly older than European standards. The draft has targeted men between the ages of 25 and 60, which contrasts with recruitment practices typically seen in Western countries.

Last US-Russia nuclear treaty ends in 'grave moment' for world: Le Monde reports: 'For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the Russian Federation and the United States of America,' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement, urging Washington and Moscow to head to the negotiation table.

Are we entering a new nuclear arms race? As the last US-Russia nuclear weapons treaty expires, and Moscow warns of ‘decisive’ measures, the world may be in its most dangerous period since the Cold War. The Times

Britain can’t ignore Europe and China at the same time: Tory criticism of Sir Keir Starmer’s foreign policy shows the party is unserious. Janan Ganesh

Bloomberg: Files show Mandelson sought visa for Epstein via Deripaska

Starmer fights for future after ‘shocking’ Mandelson admission: The Times reports PM outraged his own MPs after saying he had been warned about Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein before appointing him as ambassador to the US.

Mandelson’s web of influence inside the Labour Party: The Times reports dozens of figures in the Starmer project have a history with the man who has been everything from minister and power broker to wedding guest.

Britain’s worst political scandal of this century: The Mandelson affair threatens Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership. Economist

The French connections: Epstein files expose links with France’s elite: The latest tranche of documents suggests the late sex offender’s tentacles reached far into France’s political, banking and arts worlds. The Times

In France's North Atlantic overseas territory, 'no clear sense of worry' among residents over Trump: Le Monde reports the elected representatives of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, home to 6,000 people and the only French overseas territory in the North Atlantic, are aiming to deepen ties with their major partner, Canada, amid growing geopolitical tensions with the US.

I’m the prime minister of Spain. This is why the West needs migrants. Pedro Sánchez

Dutch queen joins armed forces in symbolic move of support for military: NYT reports Queen Máxima of the Netherlands enlisted as a reservist, the Royal House said, because the country’s security “can no longer be taken for granted.”

The angelic Meloni behind a fresco fiasco: A figure resembling Italy’s prime minister on a Rome church wall blurred the lines between religion and politics. Amy Kazmin

How an art restorer sneaked Giorgia Meloni into a church fresco: Romans noticed a winged figure’s odd resemblance to their prime minister. Economist

How Japan’s Iron Lady learned to spend boldly and challenge China: Voters look set to back Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s vision of a more assertive Japan. Markets are wary. Bloomberg

An Israeli visit to the site of the Bondi attack tests Australia: The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, is under most pressure. Economist

Venezuela said to detain Maduro allies targeted by the US: NYT reports the questioning of the politically connected businessmen, Raúl Gorrín and Alex Saab, signaled deepening cooperation between the two nations.

Any decision to join US critical minerals bloc will be part of USMCA talks, Anand says: G+M reports foreign affairs minister says Ottawa is not eager to cut a single-sector deal with the US on critical minerals.

White House seeks critical minerals trade zone to curb China’s dominance: FT reports effort marks rare instance of Trump administration aiming to collaborate with global allies on trade.

$500 billion: The value of additional energy and agricultural products that Donald Trump claimed India would buy from America.

*** US Politics + Elections *** 

Top Democrat launches probe into ‘Spy Sheikh’ deal with Trump company: WSJ reports World Liberty Financial said lawmakers are “harassing a private American business to score political points.”

Bloomberg: Trump vows to donate any proceeds from $10 billion IRS lawsuit

Trump says his unpredictable style gives him leverage. But it has a cost. A year into President Trump’s second term, his threats, retreats, twists, and turns appear to be wearing on allies and adversaries. NYT

Trump digs in on ballroom size, saying height will match that of White House: WP reports review panels and a federal judge have asked if the project can be made smaller. Historic preservationists say the planned 90,000-square-foot addition will overshadow the mansion.

This is the real reason Susie Wiles talked to me 11 times Chris Whipple

Congress receives redacted version of whistleblower complaint against Gabbard: WSJ reports significant portions of the document had been blacked out for executive privilege.

Bloomberg: Trump orders pullback in Minneapolis, says ‘softer touch’ needed

WP: Border czar Tom Homan says 700 ICE and CBP officers are leaving Minneapolis

Democrats’ push to curb ICE powers hits GOP wall: WSJ reports lawmakers have less than two weeks to reach deal on immigration enforcement before Homeland Security funding lapses.

Supreme Court clears way for California voting map that bolsters Democrats: WP reports the ruling is a major victory for the party, which is seeking to offset a nationwide push by Republicans and President Donald Trump to redraw congressional maps to gain advantage in this year’s midterm elections.

Politico: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to endorse Gov. Kathy Hochul

WP: Gavin Newsom sat by his mother during her assisted suicide: ‘I hated her for it’

Doctors’ group endorses restrictions on gender-related surgery for minors: NYT reports the AMA’s announcement followed a similar recommendation from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Other medical groups argued for a more personalized approach.

New York Times added 1.4 million digital subscribers in 2025: NYT reports the company reported total revenue of $802.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, up 10.4 percent from a year earlier.

Washington Post lays off more than 300 journalists: NYT reports the layoffs cut into The Post’s local, international and sports coverage, and reduced its entire work force by about 30 percent.

CNN: Jeff Bezos remains committed to Washington Post amid brutal layoffs, top editor says

PBS Newshour: Sweeping layoffs at The Washington Post will do 'enormous damage,' former editor says

BBC: Washington Post announces sweeping layoffs, scaling back news coverage

AP: The Washington Post’s sports section was a gold standard, all the way to the end

The murder of The Washington Post: Today’s layoffs are the latest attempt to kill what makes the paper special. Ashley Parker

How Jeff Bezos brought down The Washington Post: The Amazon founder bought the paper to save it. Instead, with a mass layoff, he’s forced it into severe decline. Ruth Marcus

*** Distribution + Innovation *** 

AI bots are now a signifigant source of web traffic: New data shows AI bots pushing deeper into the web, prompting publishers to roll out more aggressive defenses. Wired

AI voice company ElevenLabs valued at $11bn after latest fundraise: The Times reports the UK-based AI voice and music-generation business secures a further $500m, tripling its value, following last year’s launch of its ‘iconic voice marketplace.’

How Anthropic achieved AI coding breakthroughs — and rattled business FT

Anthropic is working on a deal that would allow some employees to sell shares in the company at a valuation of at least $350 billion.

Anthropic takes aim at OpenAI’s ChatGPT in Super Bowl ad debut: WSJ reports chatbot wars are heating up, with Anthropic’s Claude highlighting the potential frustration of bringing ads into ChatGPT.

FT: Google set to double AI spending to $185bn after strong earnings

Google to double spending as earnings beat Wall Street expectations: WSJ reports AI is supercharging Google’s advertising and cloud-computing businesses, and the company is ramping up spending to unheard-of levels.

Why absolutely everyone is peddling an AI application: We are either on the verge of widespread adoption or a terrible crash. Brooke Masters

AI’s lending risk getting tougher to compute: Myriad private deals mask scale of funding exposures. Bloomberg

Nikkei: TSMC to make advanced chips for AI at 2nd Japan plant

Elon Musk is betting the future of his business empire on AI: The fates of xAI, SpaceX, and Tesla are increasingly intertwined. Economist

Musk’s boring tunnel in Nashville has mayor hoping no one dies: The Boring Co. is about to embark on its most ambitious tunneling project yet, but critics worry the company is woefully underprepared. Bloomberg

Nikkei: Toyota plans 30% increase in global hybrid production

Leapmotor: China’s no-frills EV maker aiming to become the next BYD: FT reports low-cost carmaker harbours ambitions to go global and rank among the world’s top 10 auto groups.

Walmart became a trillion-dollar company by evolving: The world’s largest private employer refused to compromise on profits. That paid off for workers. WSJ-Editorial

*** Culture *** 

Why Stellan Skarsgard wasn’t sure he could handle ‘Sentimental Value’: After a stroke four years ago, the actor has changed how he approaches performances, including the one he’s become an awards favorite for. NYT

Sentimental Value is my favorite film of 2025: I saw the North American premiere at Telluride, where a Q&A with the cast and director revealed layers I didn't fully appreciate during the screening. The film explores family and creativity in a subtle but powerful way. I watched it again recently and found myself catching even more details I'd missed. With an original screenplay, a gifted director, and world-class actors, this film is worth seeking out.

Variety: ‘Wuthering Heights’ first reactions: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s chemistry is a ‘whole other level of hot’ in a ‘bodice-ripping crowd-pleaser’

‘The Muppet Show’ refuses to modernize in its triumphant revival: WP reports on the 50th anniversary of Jim Henson’s show, the Muppets — with a boost from guest star Sabrina Carpenter — pick up exactly where they left off.

Rome’s blundering battle against overtourism: Nonresidents of the Eternal City must now pay a fee to visit the Trevi Fountain—the latest in a series of measures that prove a greater nuisance than the crowds themselves. WSJ

*** Sport *** 

Italy says it stopped Russian-linked cyberattacks targeting 2026 Winter Olympics sites: Le Mone reports just hours before the first sporting events, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy had foiled a series of Russian cyberattacks targeting foreign ministry offices and Winter Olympics sites, including hotels in Cortina.

Lindsey Vonn is skiing on a completely torn ACL. Could she still win Olympic gold? The 41-year-old making a comeback on a partially rebuilt knee just tore a ligament in her other knee. But experts say her hopes of competing anyway aren’t totally outlandish. WSJ

Mikaela Shiffrin is skiing’s GOAT. Can she get her Olympic revenge? In a sport where margins are dictated by who stays composed under pressure, the Alpine skiing legend is using every trick at her disposal to take gold at Milan Cortina. Jason Gay

The ice at Milan’s Olympic hockey arena is ready to go – but just barely: G+M reports icemaker confident that much-criticized venues will have NHL quality ice.

Western ski resorts and their terrible, horrible, no snow, very bad year: Little snowpack, strikes by mountain staff, and Trump administration policies that are keeping international visitors away have made this a difficult season in the Rockies and beyond. NYT

Enjoy the ride + plan accordingly. 

-Marc 

Marc A. Ross | Chief Communications Strategist @ Caracal